Status of Women in Religions

WOMEN IN HISTORY AND TODAY On the subject of men and women, the Quran has this to say: “…you are members, one of another.” (3:195) Similarly, the Prophet of Islam has observed: “Women are the second half of men.” “Indeed, women are counterparts of men.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 113) With these two references, it becomes clear that Islam recognizes equal status for both sexes without showing any discrimination. Islamic Viewpoint vs. Secular Viewpoint This shows that so far as the question of assigning equal status to both sexes is concerned, there is no difference between Islamic and secular viewpoints. Both hold the same opinion on this matter. Then, wherein lies the difference between the Islamic and secular viewpoints. This difference lies in the division of the workplace. In Islam, a woman’s workplace is basically (though not totally) inside the home. Meanwhile, a man’s workplace is basically (though not totally) outside the house. Both these viewpoints may be stated in this brief description: (1) Secular Viewpoint: gender equality within the common workplace.